Marian Crossfield

On Dec 24, 2024, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, Marian Joyce Crossfield, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years and 6 months. Her last few years were spent at the Rexton Lions Nursing Home, in Rexton, NB, after living for nearly 20 years in her own apartment.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Lianne (1952-2024), Tina (Harald Kunze), Ruth (Robert Doucet), and Gail (John Morrow). And was adored by all her grandchildren; Lisa, Louise, Amy, Kristin, Stefan, Robert, Peter, Paul, Duncan, Karri, and many friends to whom she opened her heart.

Marian was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Robert ‘Bob’ Crossfield
(1923-2000), of St. Paul D’Abbotsford, QC, and whose remains rest in the St. Andrew’s United Church Cemetery in Rexton, NB.

Marian’s life journey began in New Brunswick. She was the 3rd daughter born to parents Beatrice and Roscoe Hall in Calais, ME. The hospital was newer on the other side of the American border. This small note would become an issue when she later applied for a Canadian passport. In those days, a person could simply drive from Milltown, NB (St. Stephen) across the bridge, or walk across the frozen river. Also born in Calais, ME, were her two older sisters, Shirley (Stevens, 1925-1997) and Tina (Ostapowicz, 1927-2017).

When the girls were teenagers, their family moved to St. Jean, QC, so that their father could secure better work in the woolen mill industry. It was a difficult transition for Marian, a 16-year-old, who was unable to graduate high school because her second language was Latin and not French. She took a typing course, and worked briefly in an office. When he saw an opportunity for advancement, they moved to Granby. In their leisure time, Marian recalled special times bicycling with her father in the countryside.

Marian met and married Bob in 1946, and they settled in the apple growing district of St. Paul D’Abbotsford. They would live there for the next 40 years. While Bob found a career with Bell Telephone, Marian dedicated her life to raising her family. She was an apple grader during the harvest, and this allowed her to buy snowsuits and winterwear for her girls. She also trained and practiced as a lay-minister for the pastoral charge. A lover of music, she made sure that all 4 girls could play the piano.

The Crossfields had a tendency to parent anyone who came through their door, even the neighbours. At times it felt like the United Nations, as their daughters brought home newfound friends during weekends and holidays. Marian was very intuitive. She could see straight through you if you were upset. There was no sense in trying to keep a secret – she would already know!

Marian and Bob had the good fortune to travel to Scotland and England, and then to Europe, guided by Gail who spent several years living and teaching in Germany. Marian also toured the Holy Land with her local church group. A spiritual person, she was amazed and inspired by Jerusalem, Galilee, and Garden of Gethsemane.

When Bob retired, they began spending winters in Florida where they met new friends, engaged in the community, and explored the landscape. But Marian’s wish was to eventually return to New Brunswick. When the time came to make another change, they left Quebec and moved to Rexton to be closer to Gail.

Marian will be remembered for her humanitarian outlook and indomitable spirit. She was very fond of her caregivers, Loney Hudson and Nathalie Asta, who helped her to stay as long as possible in her own home. Although her last few years were challenging in terms of health and mobility, and hospitalizations and Covid isolations, she never gave up. When her daughters came to visit, her smile brightened the room as she called each by name. During her last visit with Gail, she said that she would like to go back and finish grade eleven.

The Crossfield family would like to thank the staff at the Rexton Lions Nursing Home. Their compassion, guidance and professionalism were much appreciated and needed. At last, Marian was finally settled, home, and at peace.

Final Arrangements have been made through the Thompson Funeral Home Ltd. in
Richibucto, NB.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to:
The Rexton Lions Nursing Home, Activity Fund
Address: 21 Rue Main, Rexton, NB, E0A 2L0 also on FaceBook

The Abbotsford United Church in St. Paul D’Abbotsford, QC.
email: [email protected]

There will be a Celebration of Life to be held in Rexton, NB, in the spring, dates to be determined.